Suspected rhino poachers engage police in shootout

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OMUTHIYA -Two suspected poachers were wounded last Friday following a shootout with police at Onguma Game Reserve near Etosha National Park where they were tracking a rhino.

Six suspected poachers armed with hunting rifles were following a rhino when they entered the farm, and were shot at by officers who were tracking them after the suspects realised they were being tracked. According to the Oshikoto crime report, a shooting ensued between the police and the poachers, and in the process 24-year-old Lukas Nghiliwa from Omundaungilo in Ohangwena Region was shot in the leg.

The second suspect from Kongola in Zambezi Region, Paulus Kavanga (25) sustained injuries in the face after he fell. The suspects were arrested, and were admitted to Tsumeb state hospital under police guard. “No fire arms were recovered and the police are still searching for the other four suspects,” stated the report.

This is the second time in two months that the police have busted suspected poachers at Onguma game reserve. Towards the end of June, the police following a tip-off from game reserve employees, arrested suspects Benjamin Tjifutji, 42, and Kahyata Matheus, 40, after they were allegedly found with a hunting rifle, ammunition, ten litres of water and an axe.

Despite numerous warnings and re-enforced measure put in place by authorities, poachers are still trying by all means they can. New Era last week reported that 25 cases of rhino poaching and 16 of elephants happened since the beginning of the year.